8 Balcony Railing Designs for Urban Homes
Unassuming spaces can transform to great design: these balcony railings, from bungalows and apartments, prove my point
In the overall design of the home, balcony railings often get less attention than they deserve. Yet they are like the cherry on the cake, that final tweak that neatly ties in the whole look of your home’s facade or one that beautifully borders your view of the outside world. The railing system in a home should seamlessly bring together aesthetics, safety and privacy. Although railings are available in a number of options in materials and designs, most use materials like wood, steel, wrought iron and glass. Here are eight railing ideas that will help you choose the one for your home.
2. Clearly sophisticated
Does your balcony look out to a beautiful prospect? If you don’t want the railing to obstruct the perspective, glass should be your choice. The waist-high clear glass railing in this balcony maximises the views without compromising on safety. Eight to 12 millimetre thick tempered glass can be relied on for this purpose. Moreover, it provides a sleek upgrade to the modern deck-styled balcony.
Does your balcony look out to a beautiful prospect? If you don’t want the railing to obstruct the perspective, glass should be your choice. The waist-high clear glass railing in this balcony maximises the views without compromising on safety. Eight to 12 millimetre thick tempered glass can be relied on for this purpose. Moreover, it provides a sleek upgrade to the modern deck-styled balcony.
The clear glass railing panels can be topped with a plain metal handrail for extra strength. (It also makes it more comfortable to lean your elbows on.) Here, the glass pieces are also clamped to the low-height parapet using steel brackets, making for a secure, durable set-up. The long planter gives a green edge to the railing on its outer face, while the terracotta wall tiles, brown wood floor and wicker chairs keep the palette pleasingly warm.
3. Invisible security
You can also consider a metal wired railing system. Wired railings are made of strong stainless steel cables fixed to the balusters either horizontally, like here, or vertically. The vanishing wires give the tranquil balcony great character and a sense of openness, while still providing safety.
Browse more pictures of string railings
You can also consider a metal wired railing system. Wired railings are made of strong stainless steel cables fixed to the balusters either horizontally, like here, or vertically. The vanishing wires give the tranquil balcony great character and a sense of openness, while still providing safety.
Browse more pictures of string railings
4. Handsomely robust
Metal railings are sturdy, need less upkeep (than glass and wood), and easily serve their safety purpose. Here, simple vertical posts of painted metal flank one side of the grand balcony space. The rather plain railing design complements the dramatic patterned floor and wall setting of this shabby chic space.
Metal railings are sturdy, need less upkeep (than glass and wood), and easily serve their safety purpose. Here, simple vertical posts of painted metal flank one side of the grand balcony space. The rather plain railing design complements the dramatic patterned floor and wall setting of this shabby chic space.
5. An artful touch
Wrought iron has long been used to model railing posts and lattices. Apart from providing security, they bring in an ornate flavour, as in the above balcony. Iron units can also be painted in silver, bronze or gold for a shiny finish that appeals to the traditional Indian decor style.
Look through more images of wrought iron railings
Wrought iron has long been used to model railing posts and lattices. Apart from providing security, they bring in an ornate flavour, as in the above balcony. Iron units can also be painted in silver, bronze or gold for a shiny finish that appeals to the traditional Indian decor style.
Look through more images of wrought iron railings
6. Themed outlook
Additional elements can be brought in with the railing unit. Here, a narrow balcony channels the spirit of a garden with a picket pence, albeit its urban avatar. The light wooden fence-style sections have been installed on the insides of the stronger metal balustrades. The potted plant and wooden benches add to the rustic theme.
Read about ways to live large on a small balcony
Additional elements can be brought in with the railing unit. Here, a narrow balcony channels the spirit of a garden with a picket pence, albeit its urban avatar. The light wooden fence-style sections have been installed on the insides of the stronger metal balustrades. The potted plant and wooden benches add to the rustic theme.
Read about ways to live large on a small balcony
7. Stylish slants
This bungalow features a composite railing system of metal and wood, where the wood slats lie on the outer face, covering the slanting metal posts. The rich brown wooden railing offers a distinct material enhancement to the grey-white facade. The horizontally aligned wooden pieces match the wooden main gate, reinforcing a look of strength.
This bungalow features a composite railing system of metal and wood, where the wood slats lie on the outer face, covering the slanting metal posts. The rich brown wooden railing offers a distinct material enhancement to the grey-white facade. The horizontally aligned wooden pieces match the wooden main gate, reinforcing a look of strength.
8. Alluringly screened
Lattice or jali screens in railings can be crafted in wood, alloy, concrete and other engineered materials (of fibre or plastic). Jali patterns add visual interest, aid privacy and reflect different styles as per the selected pattern. Take a cue from these white railings in the picture, which replicate foliage in a modern way.
Here are six reasons to bring jalis into your home
Lattice or jali screens in railings can be crafted in wood, alloy, concrete and other engineered materials (of fibre or plastic). Jali patterns add visual interest, aid privacy and reflect different styles as per the selected pattern. Take a cue from these white railings in the picture, which replicate foliage in a modern way.
Here are six reasons to bring jalis into your home
The full frontage of a urban balcony can be sheathed with decorative jalis, too. In addition to providing thermal comfort for balconies that receive harsh direct sunlight, large screens make for statement exteriors. Patterned screens that reach up to ceiling height let in filtered light and air, creating a sense of intimacy in the outdoor space.
Read more:
24 of the Most Stylish City Balconies
8 Railings That Magically Transform Staircases
Tell us:
Do you have a standout railing in your balcony? Show us in Comments below.
Read more:
24 of the Most Stylish City Balconies
8 Railings That Magically Transform Staircases
Tell us:
Do you have a standout railing in your balcony? Show us in Comments below.
The most common and practical railing system is a solid RCC (reinforced cement concrete) parapet wall. This type of railing is usually designed in the construction phase itself. This walled balcony is full of eclectic touches brought by bright pots, a bright-green grass base and a mix of foliage hues. The white railing wall subtly backs the multiple elements, while ensuring utmost privacy and safety.